If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances gooey cheese, savory ham, and tender chicken, you have to try this Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe. It is a time-tested favorite that brings just the right amount of crispy crunch on the outside and melty goodness on the inside. Each bite bursts with comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug from the kitchen, making it an ideal meal to impress friends or indulge on a wonderful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but carefully selected to create a perfect harmony of texture and flavor. From the creamy Swiss cheese to the crunchy breadcrumbs, every element has a role that elevates this Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe to delicious heights.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and easy rolling.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese): Melts beautifully for a rich, nutty flavor inside.
- 4 slices deli ham: Adds a subtle smokiness and saltiness that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the egg and crumb coating adhere firmly to the chicken rolls.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the binding agent for the breadcrumbs to stick on the chicken.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch): Provides the signature golden, crisp crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory note without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and deepens seasoning.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Gives a rich finish and helps in browning during frying.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying): Provides the perfect heat tolerance for a golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a splash of color and fresh brightness when serving.
How to Make Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which will give it time to reach the perfect cooking temperature. Meanwhile, take those chicken breasts and gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin placed between pieces of plastic wrap. This tenderizes the meat and makes it easier to roll without tearing, ensuring every piece cooks evenly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
After pounding, sprinkle each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides. This simple but essential step layers the foundational flavor needed to complement the ham and cheese inside. Don’t be shy with the seasoning since the breaded exterior will mellow some of it out during cooking.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Next, top each flattened chicken breast with a slice of deli ham, immediately followed by the Swiss cheese. Carefully roll the chicken tightly around these fillings to create neat parcels, and secure the edges with toothpicks. This step is crucial as it locks in all that melty goodness and keeps the rolls intact during frying and baking.
Step 4: Set Up Your Breading Station
Preparing the breading station helps keep the process smooth and mess-free. Use three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs. This setup ensures you can dredge, dip, and coat each chicken roll properly and efficiently to achieve that signature crispy crust everyone loves.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken Rolls
Coat each chicken roll first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs so they stick well. This triple-step coating ensures an even, crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the tender, cheesy interior.
Step 6: Brown the Rolls
Heat olive oil and melted butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken rolls and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the skillet’s temperature for a perfectly crispy crust. This step locks in moisture for juicy chicken and gives the rolls their mouthwatering crisp exterior.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Once browned, transfer the rolls to a baking dish and pop them in the oven to finish cooking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese inside has become beautifully melted and bubbly. Baking ensures the meat is cooked through without burning the crust, making the texture just right.
Step 8: Final Touches Before Serving
When the chicken comes out of the oven, carefully remove the toothpicks and let the rolls rest for a few minutes. This quiet moment allows juices to redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely pop of color and freshness before plating.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and ham. You might also consider a light drizzle of a creamy Dijon mustard sauce or a simple lemon wedge to cut through the savoriness and enhance the dish’s overall profile.
Side Dishes
This Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp green vegetables like steamed asparagus or a garlicky sautéed spinach. Roasted baby potatoes or a creamy risotto also make perfect companions, offering satisfying but complementary textures and flavors to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, slice the chicken rolls into medallions to showcase the spiral of ham and melted cheese inside. Arrange the medallions on a platter with a drizzle of sauce or a sprinkle of herbs. This makes the dish perfect for sharing at dinner parties or for a cozy, elevated weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dining, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they remain tasty and tender for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain the melty cheese and crisp breading.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked assembled chicken rolls before frying by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw fully in the refrigerator and proceed with breading and cooking for the best results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover chicken cordon bleu is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. This method helps maintain the crunchy exterior while warming the inside without drying the chicken. Avoid the microwave to prevent soggy breadcrumbs and unevenly heated cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
Absolutely! While Swiss or Gruyère are traditional choices due to their melting quality and flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist. Just keep in mind how the flavors pair with the ham and chicken.
What if I don’t have a meat mallet to pound the chicken?
No worries! A rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy skillet works just as well. The goal is to get an even, thin chicken breast that’s easy to roll without tearing.
Is it possible to bake the chicken rolls without frying first?
While frying adds delicious color and texture, you can skip it and bake the rolls directly. Just coat them well with the breadcrumb mixture, place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, ensure the juices run clear and the chicken feels firm but not dry.
Can I make this Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Just make sure the breadcrumbs you choose crisp up well for that iconic texture.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings pure comfort and joy to the table with minimal fuss. Once you master the steps, you’ll find it’s a fantastic way to impress family or treat yourself to a warm, satisfying meal. I really hope you give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless comfort food featuring tender chicken breasts filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, breaded to a golden crisp, and finished by baking to perfection. This easy-to-follow recipe combines frying and baking for a deliciously crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior—perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Rolls
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese)
- 4 slices deli ham
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken rolls after browning.
- Pound Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until evenly flattened to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Season: Season both sides of the flattened chicken breasts with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for balanced flavor.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Roll tightly to enclose the filling, securing edges with toothpicks to keep the rolls intact during cooking.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs respectively to bread the chicken rolls properly.
- Bread Chicken Rolls: Dredge each chicken roll first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even crust.
- Browning: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melted butter over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken rolls for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Bake: Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks carefully before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken evenly ensures even cooking and tender rolls.
- Using panko breadcrumbs will create a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- To make ahead, assemble and bread the chicken rolls, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying and baking.
- If you prefer, double the recipe to serve more guests.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet during frying to maintain crispiness.
